A few years ago, I asked my mother why she never read my brother and I Dr. Seuss books when we were kids. She told me that she found the silly rhymes and strange names of the characters annoying! I was dumbfounded as those are some of the things that people love most about his books; that and Dr. Seuss’ unfailing ability to communicate complicated societal challenges like pollution (e.g. The Lorax) and messy human struggles like the desire to understand where we come from (e.g. Are You My Mother?) to children, are some of the things I love most about his books.
As a mother and as a therapist, I have found the analogous nature of many Dr. Seuss books to be poignant and timely. In sifting through some books to donate recently, I came across a copy of Oh, The Places You’ll Go, and it got me thinking about…
All the places the Health & Wellness department is going in 2024. I know what you’re thinking but hear me out!
I was recently given the privilege of serving as the Associate Vice President for Healthy Living, which affords me the tremendous opportunity to integrate all the fantastic fitness and wellness programs you have come to expect from the Greater Austin YMCA, along with some new offerings with our Everline Counseling services. The combination of these programs will live under one big umbrella of Whole Person Health and Wellness programming that will serve the mind, body, and spirit of our community as our mission directs us.
There will be much more to come, but some of the places you will see our programs go in 2024 include:
- Specialty workshops that focus on exercising for wellness, building healthy habits and meditation/reflection (multiple centers)
- Wellness Week, culminating with a Holistic Wellness Fair, February 12th – 17th (Springs Y)
- Bilingual Spanish therapy options through Everline Counseling (multiple centers)
- A group for older adult women on physical and social factors that shape intimacy and contribute to the lives of older adults (East Communities Y)
The next 12 months will see the Healthy Living team working to ensure that we have programs that consider the entirety of you from the top of your head to the bottom of your shoe. There is more I could say, but this is enough for today.
Our mountain is waiting. And…we’re on our way!
